Woolwich introduces ordinances to align with state housing rules, rezones downtown to require 20% affordable units

Mayor Matthias summarized two housing-related ordinances at the Woolwich Township Committee meeting on March 2: Ordinance 2026-02, which would repeal and replace local provisions on affordable housing development fees and related zoning to align the township with the fourth round of the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan; and Ordinance 2026-03, which would repeal and replace the Mixed Use Downtown zone of the Kings Landing Redevelopment Plan and requires 20% affordable housing in the rezoned areas while maintaining overall density.

According to the minutes, Ordinance 2026-02 follows a model ordinance intended to ensure compliance with new state laws and to protect the township from exclusionary zoning lawsuits; it addresses development fees, unit design, occupancy, affordability standards, enforcement and administration. Mayor Matthias also said the ordinances align with relevant state laws and regulations, including the Fair Housing Act and certain Supreme Court rulings, as part of the legal context mentioned in the meeting summary. Both ordinances were introduced by motion and second and recorded as introduced unanimously; there was no public comment at the March 2 meeting.

Ordinance 2026-03 was introduced as amended after Deputy Mayor Nocentino proposed, and the committee adopted, an amendment to allow convenience stores in the rezoned area only if they do not include fuel pumps. The minutes record the amendment and the introduction of the ordinance as having passed by unanimous roll call. The minutes do not record specific implementation timelines, application processes or effective dates for these ordinances; they were recorded at the introduction stage.